Since the start of 2019, we’ve run nine polls asking fans for their opinions.
Across the group, each poll has had an average of 4,500 views - meaning the sample size is more than large enough to claim a fan’s opinion.
Here they are, one by one:
Should the AFL host a Twilight Grand Final?
Yes: 34.5 per cent
No: 65.5 per cent
Moving the time of the Grand Final is a regular debate each year, and 2019 is no different.
But the idea of a twilight Grand Final was quickly voted down by the AFL in March due mostly to fan outrage.
And although the majority of fans want the Big Dance kept at its regular time slot, many - it seems - would have enjoyed an evening start.
Should the AFL host a regular Monday night game?
Absolutely, it works in the NFL: 10 per cent
No thanks, Thursday through Sunday is enough: 65.2 per cent
Maybe two or three times a year, but not every round: 24.8 per cent
Monday night football could well be the marquee time slot for the NFL... AFL fans, however, don’t quite see it the same way.
The Queen’s birthday match is well-loved, but fans have very little interest in the match being a regular fixture.
Would you rather a game be high-scoring or close?
A close game: 39 per cent
A high-scoring game: 61 per cent
With the new rule changes in 2019, the AFL hoped the game would become more open and allow for more scoring.
Half way through the season, however, it seems to have had the opposite effect.
On the plus side, the first few rounds did play host to far closer matches compared to the same time in 2018.
And as for the fan’s opinion, this was one of the tightest votes held.
Should different teams be given a chance to play in public holiday matches?
No, keep with tradition: 4.9 per cent
Yes, give someone else a go: 80.3 per cent
Depends on the game: 14.8 per cent
Every season, the AFL lines up marquee games on public holidays using the same teams.
Collingwood and Essendon have Anzac Day, Collingwood and Melbourne have the Queen’s birthday… and so on and so forth.
But what about teams who aren’t given a prestigious match? Should they be given a go?
Overwhelmingly the fans believe yes, it should be changed - with a small portion believing it depended on the game.
Should booing be banned by the AFL?
Yes, give the players a break: 9.7 per cent
No, players need thicker skin: 90.3 per cent
This question was put to the fans far earlier in the season, long before the AFL implemented “behavioural awareness officers”.
Despite the time difference, sentiment seems more or less the same: booing should not be banned.
Were Dyson Heppell and David Myers wrong to smile after the loss?
Yes, they just lost a close game: 16.9 per cent
No, players are allowed to show emotion: 83.1 per cent
In Round Eight, Essendon captain Dyson Heppell and teammate David Myers were seen smiling after a close loss to Sydney.
A wave of backlash followed, led by former coach Paul Roos, condemning the pair for not taking the loss seriously.
In this instance, fans had the backing of the players, reminding everyone they are not robots.
A similar situation occurred in Round 13 between Eddie Betts and Sydney Stack, but it didn’t attract quite the same furor.
Should the AFL consider a mid-season trade instead of the mid-season draft?
Yes, leave the state league clubs alone: 75.4 per cent
No, give the young kids a chance: 24.6 per cent
The AFL held its first mid-season draft in more than 25 years this year, much to the ire of State League clubs.
The question was raised by AFC Media columnist Dale Lewis: should the competition instead focus on a trade?
Fans agreed, mostly to help protect the SANFL sides who were ultimately decimated.
Should the AFL host more premiership matches overseas?
Yes, it’s good to expand the game: 15 per cent
No, the money should be spent elsewhere: 85 per cent
Port Adelaide play in China each year, St Kilda have held a few matches in New Zealand… The question needs to be asked, should the AFL expand further?
Each time the debate arises, punters give the same feedback: spend the money elsewhere.
With grassroots footy in need of help, state competitions struggling and AFLW still in its (rapidly expanding) infancy, the money used for overseas promotion could be used elsewhere.
What is the correct shorthand for parmigiana?
Parmi: 88 per cent
Parma: 12 per cent
Last but certainly not least, the pronunciation of the word parmigiana.
Given we’re a South Australian club, the results can’t be too much of a surprise.
Sorry Sloaney! The fans have spoken.
